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Flag Rating System

Overview

The Ocean Rescue Department uses a colored flag system developed by the Department of Environmental Protection’s Management Program to denote ocean conditions each day.

The flags and explanation placards will be placed at or near the following dune walkovers: 16th Avenue North, 12th Avenue North, 8th Avenue North, 4th Avenue North (the pier), Beach Blvd., 6th Avenue South, 12th Avenue South and 16th Avenue South.

Flag Rating System

Two Red Flags: No water activity is allowed. Lifeguards and local law enforcement patrol the beach ensuring the safety of everyone.

One Red Flag: The public is encouraged to stay out of the ocean. Even the strongest swimmers can easily find themselves in dangerous currents. Rip currents are difficult to locate and are created without typical warning signs.

Yellow Flag: The public is encouraged to only swim in front of posted lifeguard towers. The lifeguards can spot most dangerous rip currents and inform the patrons accordingly. Lifeguard towers are usually posted at locations of safety.

Green Flag: The public is still encouraged to swim in front of posted lifeguard towers. Strong rip currents are static and can emerge with little warning.

Purple Flag: (Man-o-War, jellyfish of any variety, blue buttons, sea nettles) These dangerous marine creatures are difficult to spot because they tend to be under the water surface. Caution should be taken while swimming.